Overview
ABSTRACT
Our ability to manipulate individual particles over the past 20 years has enabled a new quantum revolution. This new revolution, known as the “second quantum revolution,” is characterized by the ability to exploit quantum effects for engineering purposes. The main applications are categorized into three classes: quantum computing, quantum sensors, and quantum communications.
This introductory article explores the fundamental principles of quantum communications, from quantum properties to applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum information networks, improperly referred to as the “quantum Internet.” This article also highlights the value of using satellites to extend the reach of quantum information networks and discusses the challenges, European initiatives, and prospects for a large-scale quantum Internet.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Patrick GÉLARD : Senior Satellite Telecommunications Expert
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Laurent DE FORGES DE PARNY : Quantum Telecommunications Systems Engineer - Thales Alenia Space (Toulouse, France)
INTRODUCTION
Quantum technologies are currently experiencing remarkable growth, driven by advances in the control of individual quantum states (superposition, entanglement, and non-cloning). This “second quantum revolution” is paving the way for applications in communications, computing, and metrology.
Quantum communications secure data exchanges beyond the capabilities of classical cryptography (RSA, AES) and form the foundation of the future quantum internet. Terrestrial networks have demonstrated quantum key distribution (QKD), but their range is limited by losses in optical fibers and the impossibility of amplifying quantum states (no-cloning theorem). Quantum repeaters remain limited to ∼50% efficiency.
Satellites, using free-space optical channels, extend coverage to continental and intercontinental scales. This approach, exemplified by pioneering missions (see § 4.2 ), is a key building block for global architectures. This article presents the fundamental concepts, architectures, and challenges for hybrid satellite/ground networks, ranging from short-range QKD to advanced quantum information networks.
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KEYWORDS
communications | cryptography | satellites | quantum | QKD | Quantum Information Networks | quantum internet
Quantum Satellite Telecommunications
The Second Quantum Revolution
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